AARP Medicare Supplement Plan - Details Anyone?

[ShokWaveRider]

I am eligible for Medicare in January 2019 . ( At Least I think I should be Dancing) I am starting to look into Medicare Supplemental plans and have heard good things about the AARP Sponsored plans. I am in Florida. It is hard to get actual details unless you go ahead and actually apply. I can start to apply for Medicare in September/ November of this year.

I was wondering if anyone here actually has it and what some of the basic coverages are. I am looking for something as good as my ACA plan, which unlike some others opinions here has been simply outstanding for us. Low costs, Zero Deductible low Copays, low MAXOOP. Florida I think has good Rates, at least for the ACA.

If anyone can share their AARP Medicare Suppliment pan coverages that would be great, along with premiums etc. I am concerned about Pre-Existing condition coverage etc., as I have a pacemaker replacement coming in the next couple of years.

(PS.: This is not an ACA discussion Please)

TIA

 

[kaneohe]

https://www.medicare.gov/supplement-other-insurance/compare-medigap/compare-medigap.html

Medigap plans are standardized so pick the plan type (letter) you like and then compare prices. Popular one was Plan F which generally has no costs besides the premium. However that one will be closed in a few yrs so most are suggesting Plan G instead........it has a small deductible but that usually is made up by lower premium costs so it is a somewhat better deal than Plan F....for now anyway.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

https://www.medicare.gov/supplement-other-insurance/compare-medigap/compare-medigap.html

Thanks, I looked at that (many times) It did not really give me the info I would like to see. I would like to see the info specifically on the AARP Supplemental plan offered by united Health Care.. That I hear is quite good.

 

[kaneohe]

........................... Low costs, Zero Deductible low Copays, low MAXOOP. .................................

It might help to know exactly what you are looking for.........Plan F covers the deductible, there are no co-pays, and generally you pay nothing out of pocket.
Plan G doesn't cover the deductible, there are no copays and generally you pay nothing out of pocket.

Are you sure you aren't thinking about Medicare Advantage plans? You use the copay and MaxOOP terms which generally are more applicable to HMO type plans.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

It might help to know exactly what you are looking for.........Plan F covers the deductible, there are no co-pays, and generally you pay nothing out of pocket.
Plan G doesn't cover the deductible, there are no copays and generally you pay nothing out of pocket.

Are you sure you aren't thinking about Medicare Advantage plans? You use the copay and MaxOOP terms which generally are more applicable to HMO type plans.

Yes, thanks, that is because I do not really know. Also does one need a separate part D for drug coverage?

 

[kaneohe]

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-ch...-plans/how-medicare-advantage-plans-work.html

A short discussion about Advantage plans. Since the plans aren't standardized like Supplement plans, it's more work to dig out features of plans and comparing different plans seems like more work. Getting premium costs is a lot easier tho.

One of the nice things about Medigap (supplement ) plans is that they are standardized so once you pick the plan type you like, the only difference is the premium cost........harder to get.

With the supplement plans, you need to get a drug plan which is extra (pt D).
With the Advantage plans, the drug plan is often built in as part of the plan.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...h=i:aps,k:medicare+for+dummies+2018+paperback
an excellent learning tool.........may be available at local library

One important difference between Supplement (Medigap) and Advantage plans:
With Supplement,you can go to any doctor who accepts Medicare. With Advantage plans , like HMO, there are networks and you have to go to someone in your network. Also like HMO, you probably need to go thru your primary doctor to get referred to specialists.

 

[mpeirce]

A short discussion about Advantage plans. Since the plans aren't standardized like Supplement plans, it's more work to dig out features of plans and comparing different plans seems like more work. Getting premium costs is a lot easier tho.

One big reason my DW picked an Advantage plan when she went on Medicare last year was that it was very much like our previous insurance with the same insurer.

A number of the details differed, but generally everything works the same way it did before.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

One big reason my DW picked an Advantage plan when she went on Medicare last year was that it was very much like our previous insurance with the same insurer.

A number of the details differed, but generally everything works the same way it did before.

Can you swap aback if you do not like it? And Visa Versa from Sup. to Adv.?

 

[MissMolly]

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-ch...-plans/how-medicare-advantage-plans-work.html

A short discussion about Advantage plans. Since the plans aren't standardized like Supplement plans, it's more work to dig out features of plans and comparing different plans seems like more work. Getting premium costs is a lot easier tho.

One of the nice things about Medigap (supplement ) plans is that they are standardized so once you pick the plan type you like, the only difference is the premium cost........harder to get.

With the supplement plans, you need to get a drug plan which is extra (pt D).
With the Advantage plans, the drug plan is often built in as part of the plan.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...h=i:aps,k:medicare+for+dummies+2018+paperback
an excellent learning tool.........may be available at local library

One important difference between Supplement (Medigap) and Advantage plans:
With Supplement,you can go to any doctor who accepts Medicare. With Advantage plans , like HMO, there are networks and you have to go to someone in your network. Also like HMO, you probably need to go thru your primary doctor to get referred to specialists.

Not all Advantage plans are HMO. Ours is a PPO.

 

[mpeirce]

Can you swap aback if you do not like it? And Visa Versa from Sup. to Adv.?

I don't see why not. Isn't that what Open Enrollment is all about each year?

OK, I just googled this to make sure. Medicare.gov has instructions on switching between Medicare Advantage plans and switching back to "Original Medicare".

Am I missing something?

 

[kaneohe]

Can you swap aback if you do not like it? And Visa Versa from Sup. to Adv.?

Don't count on it.........Advantage to Supplement...........
https://medicare.com/medicare-suppl...e-advantage-to-medicare-supplement-insurance/
You may be subject to medical underwriting to get accepted. It may? be easier to go the other way .....supplement to advantage.
https://www.senior65.com/medicare/article/can-you-switch-from-medigap-to-medicare-advantage

Also for supplements.......it may be easier to downgrade plans rather than upgrade.........so it may be best to enroll in a high level plan first until you are sure that you want a lower level plan....same reason: medical underwriting may be required.

 

[MissMolly]

You can switch from a Supplement to an Advantage plan during any open enrollment or if your current plan is cancelled. You are not guaranteed acceptance into a Supplement if you have been on an Advantage plan. You are usually required to go through underwriting. Exceptions may apply if your current plan is no longer being offered.

 

[kaneohe]

I don't see why not. Isn't that what Open Enrollment is all about each year?

OK, I just googled this to make sure. Medicare.gov has instructions on switching between Medicare Advantage plans and switching back to "Original Medicare".

Am I missing something?

getting the supplement plan that you want is not guaranteed if you don't enroll in it at the start. Original Medicare is just that, not the supplement too.

 

[bizlady]

OP I think you can find what you want here: https://www.aarpmedicaresupplement.com/

 

[kaneohe]

Not all Advantage plans are HMO. Ours is a PPO.

Good point, thanks for reminding me. Any difference in costs between in-network and out-of-network docs?

 

[ShokWaveRider]

OP I think you can find what you want here: https://www.aarpmedicaresupplement.com/

Thanks


At there any advantages to an Advantage plan vs Supplemental?

 

[Ian S]

Thanks


At there any advantages to an Advantage plan vs Supplemental?

An Advantage plan is usually significantly cheaper and often includes a drug plan that would normally be extra in the supplement approach. The trade-off is that under an Advantage plan, you will usually have a local network of healthcare providers that you have to use. With a supplement plan, you can go to any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare and that's nationwide.

I chose the AARP F supplement initially because they didn't offer a G type. They started to offer a G type last year so I switched because it saves some money and F plans will be closed within a couple of years anyway. You have to be careful with plan pricing as they often offer initial discounts that fade away after a few years. You may be well advised to get the assistance of a professional agent in evaluating the various plans but you should also do your own homework so you can ask intelligent questions and not rely solely on the agent.

 

[kaneohe]

https://www.investopedia.com/articl...edigap-vs-medicare-advantage-which-better.asp

Advantage "might" cost less for premiums but you'd have to simulate actual situation to get bottom line cost after copays,etc. since supplements might not have costs besides premiums/deductible. Advantage might Rx/vision within the premium but depends on the plan details.

 

[REWahoo]

I chose the AARP F supplement initially because they didn't offer a G type. They started to offer a G type last year so I switched because it saves some money and F plans will be closed within a couple of years anyway.

To be more specific, F plans will be closed to new enrollees beginning in 2020. Those already enrolled in Plan F may keep it.

 

[MissMolly]

Good point, thanks for reminding me. Any difference in costs between in-network and out-of-network docs?

Not for ours, but I don't know if it is that way for all.

 

[Gotadimple]

Good point, thanks for reminding me. Any difference in costs between in-network and out-of-network docs?

Generally with PPO plans if you use an out of network doctor the copay is higher. So in-network specialist $50, out of network $75.

 

[Gotadimple]

To be more specific, F plans will be closed to new enrollees beginning in 2020. Those already enrolled in Plan F may keep it.

And that's when you really want to watch the premiums. On a closed plan, there are no new enrollees, and those who stay on the old plan often don't want to switch because their health may not be as good. So the cost of care goes up because the insured population is not as healthy, it's called adverse selection. Over time, premiums will rise more rapidly in a closed plan.

- Rita

 

[MissMolly]

Generally with PPO plans if you use an out of network doctor the copay is higher. So in-network specialist $50, out of network $75.

Generally speaking, this is probably true, but not for ours. There is no difference for what is paid in network/out of network. Some services are covered 100%. Others have a 4% co-pay. Deductible is $500 (combined for both in network/out of network). MOOP is $1,200.

 

[joeea]

Thanks, I looked at that (many times) It did not really give me the info I would like to see. I would like to see the info specifically on the AARP Supplemental plan offered by united Health Care.. That I hear is quite good.

Sounds like you want to get the free "Decision Guide"?
https://www.aarpmedicaresupplement.com/medicare-information-guide.html

 

[wmc1000]

What DW and I have learned from looking at quotes is that AARP/United Healthcare plans are not competitively priced in our location. Plan G supplement. It was one of the first mailings we received.

Also check out https://www.bestmedicaresupplement.com/ for instant prices on a variety of supplement plans